Demoted?

[LindyMoe]

Recently had news that I'll no longer be reporting into my very senior manager, but now my peer.

It's a big blow and a shock. I don't know how to feel. The reason being I need to be somewhere I can be supported better.

It's awkward and I feel like I've been demoted. My pay is the same but I can't help but feel shit.

I'm well into my 30s and feeling that at this point... I should be further along.
The feeling of failure is so strong.

Just looking for some logic.

presumably you’ve asked for a chat as to why

Has there been a wider restructuring in your workplace or is it just you affected OP?
Is your peer doing some development?

Is it not the case that your peer has been promoted and you now report to them, rather than you being demoted? If you're both peers and you previously reported into someone else, it doesn't sound like you've been demoted, more than they've perhaps restructured the lines of reporting? Your very senior manager may also not have the time to have you reporting to them, hence the supporting better comment.

It's a restructure as I'm pretty much a team on my own. The reason why was that the current manager doesn't have time to support me, so I'd be better placed in a team where they've had experience of what I'm now doing.

Whilst it makes logical sense, I can't beat the niggling feeling that this is a bad thing

But it sounds like you’ll be better supported so a good thing really?

Do you have any better suggestions? If so talk to someone about how you are feeling, get a clear picture of the future plan and offer up some other options that might work better for everyone.

You've not been demoted if your role and responsibilities stay the same.

They've just changed your reporting line - which is not a demotion. You said yourself you've been reporting into 'your very senior manager' - they're probably thinking it's more appropriate you report into someone less senior.

Is your "peer" manager of the same grade? If so, read your contract if he/she is allowed to manage you or not

Thanks for the logic - I think my downfall is taking these things too personally.

It is more support and all in all if I hate it in 6 months, I can always find a new job

Also keep in mind your next career move to progress up the ladder - if that's what you want- ask yourself what that would look like.
Don't settle for second best!